Kiss of death power struggle

MARK STRETCH

At the beginning of the 20th century in Europe seven great powers are battling for supremacy in a struggle that eventually leads to the First World War. This is the setting for playing the game of Diplomacy.

Unlike Risk and other games of conquest, dice or charts are not used in combat. Superiority in numbers is all that counts. But, with each player representing one of the seven powers, that is precisely what you do not have. Negotiation has to be brought into play.

Diplomacy is all about negotiation and persuading other players to help you out. But, as in real life, nothing that is negotiated is always binding.

This is the hub of the game. Players make various promises to rivals. Only when simultaneous moves are revealed do you know who has been disloyal, betrayed your trust and been sharpening knives to stab you in the back.

Diplomacy can be a nasty, Machiavellian game of political intrigue in which old friends and allies suddenly become turncoats. But perhaps you can persuade one of their friends to stab them in return to help you.

Alliances shift throughout the game, often at every turn, and it is difficult to know who to believe - and who is lying through their teeth. Is it any wonder that many players need a drink or a smoke to calm their nerves? Has he stabbed me? Has he noticed that I'm about to stab him?

The game was created in the Sixties in the US and now has a devoted following worldwide, with established UK, European and world championships. Like chess, it can be played by post and
e-mail, and such games probably outnumber personal encounters.

The game has many anecdotes. Various MPs are said to be fans perhaps picking up tips on political ruthlessness. A top Australian woman player has been known to wear a see-though blouse to distract male opponents.

Another favourite tactic is to buy a few drinks for intended victims hoping they will be too happy to notice that you are about to stab them.

You're such a nice person, after all, buying a round. How could they ever dream that you would bury a knife in their backs. Well, let them think that. But you know better.

You are after that solo win, and they are not allowed to get in your way. Sure, string them along for a while but, at the end of the day, there can be only one winner, and you need to ensure that it is you.